Apple’s introduction of the 9 MacBook Neo has sparked a significant shift in the PC landscape, compelling Microsoft to reevaluate and enhance Windows 11. For years, users ranging from gamers to IT administrators have voiced concerns about the operating system’s sluggishness and excessive resource demands. Despite the feedback, Microsoft and its original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partners primarily focused on promoting features like Copilot, leaving the core OS largely unattended.
As PC sales began to wane and consumers gravitated towards the vibrant and budget-friendly MacBook Neo, anxiety rippled through Microsoft’s OEM partners, who faced already diminishing profit margins. The CFO of ASUS felt the need to reassure investors, stating, “I believe our PC vendors, including upstream vendors like Microsoft, Intel, and AMD, they’re all taking this very seriously, discussing how to compete with this product in the entire PC ecosystem.”
According to a recent IDC report, global PC shipments are projected to decline by 11.3% in 2026, with the most severe downturn expected in the fourth quarter, where shipments could plummet by 20% year-over-year. The report attributes this decline to a memory shortage, with no significant relief anticipated until late 2027. As prices continue to rise, higher-end brands appear increasingly justifiable, creating a surge in demand for Apple’s MacBook lineup, particularly the Neo.
IDC hinted that the MacBook Neo will cause for an efficient Windows 11
Jitesh Ubrani, an IDC research manager, noted that the MacBook Neo is “putting real pressure on the entire PC ecosystem,” suggesting that vendors will likely respond with “a combination of new silicon, a more efficient OS from Microsoft, and aggressive promotional pricing.” The implication of a more efficient OS translates to a RAM-optimized version of Windows 11, particularly critical given the Neo’s launch on March 4, 2026.
On March 20, during a pivotal commitment to enhancing Windows quality, Microsoft announced plans to reduce RAM usage in Windows 11. This decision has become increasingly pertinent as Apple’s vertical integration enabled the MacBook Neo to feature 8GB of RAM at a time when memory prices are soaring. In contrast, Windows OEMs are compelled to market 8GB RAM configurations at prices previously reserved for 16GB models, while the OS itself has not been optimized to match these requirements.
Microsoft is now optimizing RAM usage in Windows 11
On July 31, Microsoft committed to optimizing RAM usage for PCs equipped with 8GB of RAM and above, with a target completion date set for the end of 2026. This optimization not only benefits users with 8GB but also enhances performance for those with 16GB and 32GB configurations. Recently, Microsoft has promoted 8GB as suitable for everyday tasks such as browsing and productivity applications, a stance that necessitates a lighter operating system to support both casual users and serious gamers.
The PC industry needs to sell 8GB RAM hardware
In the wake of the MacBook Neo’s launch, a benchmark commissioned by Microsoft revealed that every tested OEM Windows machine boasted double the RAM, more storage, and superior port options compared to Apple’s 8GB, 256GB model. Currently, Microsoft’s response to Apple includes the Surface Pro 12 and Surface Laptop 13, both starting at 9 and 9 for 8GB configurations, yet neither qualifies as a Copilot+ PC, which still requires 16GB.
In contrast, Dell has introduced the new XPS 13, starting at 9 for students and 9 for the general public, effectively matching the Neo’s price point. This demonstrates that the PC industry is capable of producing competitive hardware at this price level, yet a significant challenge remains.
Microsoft still has a real problem to solve
Despite superior specifications on paper, Windows 11 PCs struggle with performance. Independent testing revealed that Microsoft Word launches twice as slowly on Windows 11 laptops compared to MacBooks, a troubling statistic for an application Microsoft has had decades to optimize. The underlying issues for Microsoft are twofold:
- Apple Silicon continues to outpace offerings from Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm.
- macOS is better optimized for rapid application launches, even with 8GB of RAM.
While advancements like Panther Lake and Snapdragon X2 are narrowing the hardware gap, the ongoing RAM shortage complicates rapid improvements. Consequently, streamlining Windows 11 emerges as the most immediate solution for Microsoft, allowing it to enhance performance without waiting for new silicon developments.
Fortunately, Microsoft has been actively addressing this issue by replacing legacy components with the native WinUI framework across various system functionalities, including File Explorer and Print Management. This transition is expected to significantly reduce the memory footprint and enhance the overall performance of Windows 11.
